The collection dates back to the group's early days, when they were a six-piece. It was made in the late '90s, before any of their other albums and had been intended for bassist Brent Rademaker's label Christmas/xmAs.

This release features remastered and unheard mixes. A number of these songs were released as singles or appeared on 2000's debut album Beachwood Sparks. According to a press release, "Desert Skies is a homemade Southern Californian affair, a time machine that sends you back to the time of their defining summer residency at Spaceland in Silver Lake when the band was regionally known for its dynamic live shows."

A limited-edition pressing on very cool-looking starburst-coloured vinyl is available to pre-order here. This comes with a 7-inch, a poster and the CD version. Note that CD and digital copies include a few bonus cuts not found on the vinyl.